Paris to Strasbourg by train

Traveling by train from Paris to Strasbourg is fast, affordable, and convenient. Here’s what you need to know:

• Travel Time: High-speed TGV INOUI trains take about 1 hour 46 minutes, while regional TER trains can take 3 to 5 hours.
• Ticket Prices: Start at $23 (advance booking). Average fares are around $75. Budget-friendly OUIGO tickets start at $16.90.
• Daily Departures: Around 16 trains daily from Paris Gare de l’Est to Strasbourg’s central station.
• Train Options: Choose from TGV INOUI (premium), OUIGO (budget), or Deutsche Bahn ICE (comfortable with German connections).
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable seating are available on high-speed trains.

Quick Comparison

Pro Tip: Book tickets early (up to 70 days ahead) for the best deals. Whether you’re looking for speed, savings, or scenery, there’s a train option to fit your needs.

Train Ticket Types

Standard Class Tickets

Standard class tickets provide basic comfort and amenities. Be sure to review the details when booking, as these can vary by train operator.

First Class Tickets

First class tickets come with added perks like more space, access to dedicated work areas, or even lounges. Specific features depend on the operator, so check before purchasing.

Ouigo Budget Tickets

Here’s a quick breakdown of what Ouigo offers:

Note: Ouigo tickets are exclusively digital and must be booked through their website or app.

Interrail and Eurail Passes

• High-speed trains require seat reservations
• Options include Global Pass or One Country Pass, with varying coverage
• Reservation fees are an additional cost
• Booking ahead is recommended, especially during busy travel periods

Each of these ticket options caters to different needs and budgets, setting the stage for the next section on available train services.

Taking the €22 train from Paris to Strasbourg

Train Companies and Services

Here’s a breakdown of the train companies and services available on this route.

TGV inOui Services

TGV inOui, operated by SNCF, offers a premium high-speed experience between Paris and Strasbourg. Key features include:

• Free high-speed Wi-Fi
• Power outlets and spacious seating
• A bar car with online meal ordering
• First and second class options
• Flexible ticket exchange up to 7 days before departure

Looking for a more budget-friendly option? Check out Ouigo.

Ouigo Train Service

Ouigo provides high-speed travel similar to TGV inOui but at a lower cost, with ticket prices starting at $16.90 (€16). Additional upgrades, such as the "Plus" package, are available for $9.50 (€9), offering more flexibility and perks.

ICE Train Service

Deutsche Bahn’s ICE (InterCity Express) trains deliver comfort and convenience with features like:

• Announcements in multiple languages
• A restaurant car
• Power outlets at every seat
• Free Wi-Fi
• Quiet zones for a peaceful journey
• Bicycle spaces (reservation required)

ICE trains also connect seamlessly into Germany, linking with Deutsche Bahn’s extensive rail network through Strasbourg.

These options provide a variety of choices to suit different travel needs and budgets.

Route Options

Direct High-Speed Line

For the quickest trip between Paris and Strasbourg, hop on SNCF’s high-speed line from Paris Gare de l’Est. TGV inOui trains cover the distance in just 1 hour 45 minutes with 21 departures daily, giving you plenty of scheduling flexibility ^[1]. If you’d rather take your time and enjoy the scenery, regional routes are a great option.

Regional Train Routes

Regional trains offer a slower, more scenic journey through eastern France, stopping at various towns and cities along the way. Travel times range from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the service and connections. These routes are also easier on the wallet, with TER tickets starting around $47 (€44) and OUIGO fares beginning at about $20.50 (€19) ^[1].

Connections to Germany

Strasbourg isn’t just a destination – it’s a gateway. The city’s station serves as a major hub for cross-border travel, linking France’s TGV network with Germany’s ICE trains. This makes it an ideal stop for those planning trips that span multiple countries.

With these options, travelers can choose speed, savings, or scenery to suit their trip.

Booking Methods

Train Company Websites

For booking Paris–Strasbourg train tickets, SNCF Connect is the go-to platform. It lets you choose your seat for long-distance trips and provides a variety of ticket options, from budget Prem’s to Business Première ^[3]. For budget-friendly fares, check out OUIGO.com, and for ICE connections, head to Deutsche Bahn’s website ^[2]. Want a simpler search? Try Traindrop, which offers an AI-powered platform to find the best options.

Plan your journey with us

We offer a hassle-free way to book your tickets. Our AI tool quickly compares Paris–Strasbourg connections, showing all available options in one place. It even highlights when a rail pass might save you money. Best of all, Traindrop is completely free to use, making it a convenient alternative to official websites.

Apps and Station Tickets

The SNCF Connect mobile app makes it easy to purchase tickets on the go, store them digitally, and get real-time updates. Prefer buying in person? Tickets are available at station counters, though they’re often sold at full fare. For local transport in Paris, the Île-de-France Mobilités app is perfect for metro tickets to Paris Est station. You can also purchase SNCF Voyageurs tickets at over 800 authorized agencies. With so many options, booking your trip is simple and flexible.

Prices and Discounts

Current Ticket Prices

Ticket prices depend on the service and class you choose. OUIGO tickets start at just $20.50 (€19), TER regional services begin at $47.50 (€44), and TGV INOUI fares start at $73.50 (€68) ^[1]. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, TGV INOUI’s Business Première class includes perks like access to TGV INOUI Grand Voyageur Lounges and fast-track platform access ^[1].

Here’s a quick look at typical one-way fares:

Booking early can help you snag even lower fares.

Advance Booking Rates

Planning ahead pays off! Tickets booked in advance are often much cheaper than last-minute purchases ^[1]. On top of that, there are additional discount programs to help you save even more.

Discount Options

Several programs are available to reduce travel costs even further.

Family Discounts [10]

The Carte Famille Nombreuse offers discounts based on family size:

• 30% off for families with three minor dependent children
• 40% off for families with four minor dependent children
• 50% off for families with five minor dependent children
• 75% off for families with six or more minor dependent children

Special Group Rates [10]

Groups of 10 or more travelers can benefit from reduced fares. Additionally, an annual leave fare ticket provides a 25% discount on one round-trip journey per year for trips of at least 200 km.

Military and Student Discounts [10]

Military personnel can save big with the Carte Militaire, which offers 75% off, or the Carte Famille Militaire, which provides a 30% discount on TGV INOUI services. Students traveling for study purposes can also access discounted rates.

For pet owners, OUIGO charges a flat fee of $10.80 (€10) for animal transportation ^[1].

All fares include VAT and are subject to availability.

Train Times and Duration

Daily Train Schedule

Trains run daily from early morning to late evening, starting at 6:36 AM and continuing until 9:05 PM. Below are examples of departure and arrival times:

This breakdown gives a glimpse into the journey timing and overall schedule.

Travel Time

The trip spans 247 miles (397 km), and travel time depends on the type of train. High-speed TGV INOUI trains average 1h 45m, while regional TER trains take around 3h 56m. Direct trains typically take 2h 2m, while routes with connections can extend up to 2h 51m.

Train Frequency

The Paris–Strasbourg route is well-served with about 16 trains daily, including hourly departures during peak times. Weekend services are slightly reduced, but nearly 100 routes operate weekly. Most trains leave from Paris Gare de l’Est and arrive at Strasbourg Train Station (Gare Centrale), offering plenty of options for both business and leisure travelers.

Extra Costs and Rules

In addition to ticket fares and booking methods, there are some extra charges and rules to keep in mind for your trip.

Seat Reservation Costs

For TGV trains running between Paris and Strasbourg, seat reservations are required. The standard reservation fee is $10.90 (€10). If standard seats are fully booked, the cost increases to $21.80 (€20).

Ticket Changes and Refunds

Policies for changing or canceling tickets depend on the train service:

Exchanges and cancellations are not allowed after departure. However, in cases like service disruptions, more flexible options may be offered.

Don’t forget to check baggage rules, as they can also affect your travel costs.

Baggage Rules and Fees

Travelers are allowed one piece of hand luggage and one larger bag at no extra cost. Size and weight limits differ by operator. If you’re traveling with oversized items like bicycles or large musical instruments, you’ll need to arrange for special tickets or accommodations.

Planning Your Trip

To get the best deals, planning ahead is essential. Booking your tickets 70 days in advance often leads to the lowest prices. Here’s how ticket prices typically vary based on when you book:

This pricing trend highlights how early booking can help you save significantly, as mentioned in the Prices and Discounts section.

To stretch your travel budget even further, consider these tips:

• Travel during off-peak hours to find lower fares.
• Use SNCF Connect’s 5–7 day price view to compare costs across different days.
• Invest in SNCF’s Carte Avantage discount card ($53.41/€49) if you plan to take multiple trips – it can pay for itself quickly.
• Explore routes with connections, as these can sometimes be cheaper than direct services.

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